Health Screener
Important Update
- Details
- Category: Alerts
- Published on Thursday, October 29, 2020 5:05 PM
- Written by Adrian Cepero
October 29, 2020
Dear Hackensack Public Schools Community,
Effective Friday, October 30, the Hackensack Public District will be operating remotely until further notice. Based on the recommendations from our local health officials in conjunction with the state epidemiologist, it has been determined that in the best interest of public health, Hackensack Public Schools will remain closed to in-person instruction due to the high positivity rate of infection in the city of Hackensack.
It is important to note that we will continue to follow our current remote schedule until further notice. The planned schedule changes have been postponed.
Please note:
- All Athletics and extracurricular activities are also suspended until further notice.
- Meal Service will continue to follow the current schedule
We will continue to monitor this situation closely in conjunction with the health department and provide you with timely updates. Our hope is that once the spread is contained, we can return to in-person learning in a safe and positive way.
We understand this is a disappointment for many; however, this decision is being made in the best interest of public health for our schools and community.
Sincerely,
Robert Sanchez, Superintendent of Schools
Basic Troubleshooting Steps on a Chromebook
- Details
- Category: Alerts
- Published on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 5:28 PM
- Written by Adrian Cepero
- Hold down the power button for 10 seconds to restart the device each morning and periodically throughout the day.
- Verify you are running the latest version of Chrome by following the steps here.
- Improving performance on Zoom and Meets
- Plug in your Chromebook while using Zoom or Meets to ensure maximum performance. Add a spacer underneath the device to prevent overheating.
- Close all other tabs or apps. Having too many tabs open will hurt performance on even more powerful devices.
- Remove any unnecessary extensions.
- Lower video quality in settings. Google Meets | Zoom: Go to Settings -> Video and uncheck "Enable HD"
- Try reducing the window size by dragging the bottom right corner to see if performance improves.
- Start meeting with video only. Allow video to connect and stabilize for about a minute prior to enabling audio.
- Position yourself near your WiFi router with no obstructions.
- If using a mobile hotspot, positioning yourself near an exterior wall or window may improve reception.
- Plug in your Chromebook while using Zoom or Meets to ensure maximum performance. Add a spacer underneath the device to prevent overheating.
For tutorials and to request support visit the Tech Support section of our Distance Learning website at:
2020-2021 Technology Enhancements
- Details
- Category: Alerts
- Published on Thursday, August 27, 2020 5:40 PM
- Written by Adrian Cepero
- Bandwidth Upgrade
We have increased our district internet capacity five-fold from 2GB to 10GB, allowing us to better support our remote learning needs. - Live Streaming/Recording
All High School and Middle School classrooms have been outfitted with a HoverCam, a compact document camera/webcam that can be used for live streaming. While not all elementary school classrooms may begin the year with a Hovercam, we plan to provide one as soon as possible. At a minimum, all elementary classrooms will have access to either a high quality webcam or other webcam-enabled device.
HoverCam for Chrome - New/Expanded Digital Tools
We've subscribed to the following tools districtwide — many of which you may already be familiar with:
- Screencastify
Screencastify is a Google Chrome extension that is a screen recorder that seamlessly syncs recorded videos into Google Drive. Any account with a hackensackschools.org or hackensackstudents.org email address will automatically be upgraded to the paid version. - EdPuzzle
Make any video your lesson. Choose a video (or upload your own screencast), give it your magic touch and track your students' comprehension.
Link to upgrade your account: Please check email sent 8/27 with subject line "Technology Updates and Enhancements" - GimKit
Gimkit is a Kahoot/Quizlet mashup that can be used in any classroom to introduce or review concepts. The live gameplay is fast-paced and engaging like a game show with players earning "money" for every right answer, which they can use to purchase upgrades. Gimkit can also be assigned for independent practice.
Invitation link: Please check email sent 8/27 with subject line "Technology Updates and Enhancements" - SeeSaw (PreK-4)
A digital portfolio platform where students can upload photos, journal entries, assignments, and much more. Parents can also have access to the stream of classroom activities. Login will occur through Clever. - Newsela (Full Platform)
In the past we subscribed to Newsela Pro (now called Newsela Essentials). We have upgraded our subscription to the entire platform which includes content for ELA, Social Studies, Science and SEL. - BrainPop (K-12)
We now have the entire BrainPop suite for all schools. This includes BrainPop, BrainPop Jr., BrainPop Español, BrainPop Français and BrainPop ELL (5-12). - Linewize Classwize
Classroom Relay, which was part of our previous content filter, has been replaced by Classwize, which is part of our new content filter, and provides much of the same functionality for viewing and managing student Chromebooks. Click here to learn how to access and setup Classwize. - IXL (Math/ELA K-5)
Access to IXL has been expanded district-wide to all elementary schools. We are currently rostering students and students will be able to login using Clever. More information will be forthcoming. - WorldBook Online
A comprehensive suite of e-learning resources designed for all ages and abilities with articles, videos, educator tools, eBooks, research guides and more. - Zoom
We purchased licensing for all staff to use Zoom. The normal 100-person meeting limit has been increased to 300 attendees.
All of the above mentioned tools will be added under quicklinks shortly, if they are not already there. Visit our Distance Learning Platform Tutorials page for more information on many of the tools.
- Screencastify
- Google Classroom Sync (via Little SIS)
Some of you may have received an email from Little SIS with updates to your Google Classroom. Little SIS is a new tool we are in the process of deploying that syncs our student rosters and guardian emails in Genesis with Google Classroom on a nightly basis. Students will not need to join classes as they will automatically be added. - Bringing your own laptop (BYOD)
We will be providing access to any staff member that would like to use their own device on our network. The network SSIS, or name, is HPS BYOD. Authentication will occur using either Google or your network username/password. More information will be forthcoming. Please note that for security reasons access to internal network resources (i.e., printing and H drive) will be limited while using the BYOD network. We will also not be able to provide support for or load any District-owned software on to a personal device.
A Message from our Superintendent
- Details
- Category: Alerts
- Published on Sunday, August 23, 2020 5:17 PM
- Written by Robert Sanchez
Dear Parents/Guardians:
The circumstances and complexities of this pandemic have made all of our lives very challenging. I never would have thought that we would begin this school year with silent hallways and remote learning. Yet, here we are — and now it is up to all of us to make the best of it as we begin the new academic year. The first day of classes is September 3rd. You will receive additional information from your school principal regarding the specifics of the full-remote learning plan and daily schedule. Nevertheless, you can expect the first few days to be utilized to develop relationships between students and teachers, review expectations, and assess student readiness.
This summer has been a very busy and productive time at Hackensack Public Schools. The staff has been working throughout the summer preparing policies, procedures and classrooms to make sure our children and families have the safest and best learning environment possible for when we return to in-person instruction in a COVID-19 world. We have implemented numerous health and safety protocols for the emotional and physical well-being of our students and staff. However, you should know that these guidelines are frequently updated and subject to change as directed by the New Jersey Department of Education and our local health department.
In closing, Hackensack Public Schools staff will work relentlessly to continue the tradition of excellence in education that we have been known to represent. Thank you for your continued support as we strive to do our very best for our students. They deserve it, and we simply cannot do this important work without you. We look forward to seeing you and your children soon.
Sincerely,
Robert Sanchez
Superintendent of Schools
Summer Reading is Here!
- Details
- Category: Alerts
- Published on Tuesday, June 02, 2020 10:15 AM
- Written by Adrian Cepero
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